Philippines: The Nucleus – Official Statement on Recent Killings of Journalists (12.10.2022)

Tchad: Presidence de Transition – Communique (11.10.2022)

Ethiopia: Government of Tigray – External Affairs Office – Statement on the Extension of the Mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (11.10.2022)

Opinion: Medvedev is getting his wish [and his threats will not get him anywhere]

The fastest way to escalate the conflict in Ukraine to the point of irreversible world war is to supply the loonies in Kiev with long-range MLRS” – Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev (11.10.2022).

Since the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. There been plenty of times the Russians has come with threats, possibly escalations and promised to worsen the conflict. They are the ones that issued the war. Russians are the ones that invaded a sovereign, annexed territories and are the brutal invader in Ukraine. It isn’t like other nations has sent soldiers or become allies of Ukraine. That is what Russia has done with Belarus and wished the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) would do. However, this war in Ukraine has unmasked the lack of protocol, the will or the structure of CSTO.

That’s why Kremlin, State Duma and the likes of Medvedev has to come with such words. As NATO Secretary General had a press conference today. He had to address it and insult not only the leaders of Kyiv. We know the Russian leadership wanted to overthrow and get Kremlin friendly leaders there. That’s why they wanted to invade in the first place. It wasn’t just to “liberate” Donbass regions after annexing Crimea in 2014. No, we know President Putin didn’t respect or believe Ukraine even had proper statehood. So, it was within his right to destroy, deplete and overthrow whatever leadership there was in Kyiv. Therefore, it isn’t shocking that Putin’s ally calling Zelensky and his associates “loonies” because they cannot phantom or stomach someone who has spine or can stand up to Kremlin.

It is just really interesting that the same time Medvedev is saying this about MLRS, the NATO Secretary General is speaking of the supply of NASAMS, which is a MLRS system. It means the NATO isn’t afraid of the “escalation” because they have weighed the outcome and the progression of the war. However, Russia has massacred, hit civilian targets and done serious war-crimes. That’s why Russians should speak of escalations. They have already breached the Geneva Convention on a regular basis since February 2022.

Just over the last days we have had two new announcements from NATO Allies – from Germany and United States – to provide more advanced air defence systems. The Germans announced it yesterday, and we welcome of course that. And United States has announced further delivery and we know also that they have announced that they’re also ready to provide and deliver NASAMS, which are actually one of the many advanced systems that Ukraine has received over the last months. And again, we need more and we need also more ammunition to these systems and I welcome that Allies are doing that. These air defence systems are making a difference because many of the incoming missiles were actually shot down by the Ukrainian air defence systems provided by NATO Allies. But of course, as long as not all of them are shot down, of course there is a need for more. And therefore we are going to address at the meeting this week, tomorrow, with Defence Minister Reznikov how, what type, and how can we ensure not only the delivery of the systems as soon as possible, but also training, spare parts and ammunition to their air defence capabilities” – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (11.10.2022).

It is just really striking that Medvedev is saying this and NATO is confirming that they are coming with these weapons. The MLRS or the NASAMS is coming to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are getting these long range missiles systems to defend itself. After seeing how the Russians are bombing across the Ukraine. That can help the defence and stop further missiles or drones from damaging vital infrastructure, electric lines or whatnot. Which has been the targets of Russian Army of late. Therefore, Medvedev would just prefer a total blackout and destruction of Ukrainian society. That we know was the will of his President. He is just a noble servant that way.

Europe and NATO is certainly not afraid or reluctant to help Ukraine any longer. They are actually prepared to offer proper weaponry and the ones that is fitting for the needs. The European and NATO allies are supporting Kyiv with heavy weaponry. That is long time coming and needed too. This is why Medvedev is crying wolf and havoc. We could see it coming a mile away. The battles on the ground isn’t going in Kremlin’s or Duma’s way. Neither can Putin be happy either. He must here the results and the losses. It must hurt the pride of Russia.

However, Russia invaded a sovereign and they deserve to lose their pride. They have violated, destroyed and massacred civilians to prove a point. That’s why European nations and NATO has continue to support Ukraine. The war isn’t over and Russia is still invading Ukraine. Russians are still imposing itself in Ukraine. As long as that is happening the Republic of Ukraine needs aide and military assistance. It has to continue as long as it takes. Secondly, it is all up to Russia to cease operations and warfare in Ukraine. They can just retreat tomorrow, but we know they will not do so. Peace.

Zimbabwe: Minister for Local Government and Public Workers Hon. J.G. Moyo – Suspension of Lovemore Maiko as Councillor for Ward 7 of Chitungwiza Muncipality (10.10.2022)

Tchad: Premier Ministre de Transition Albert Pahimi Padacke – Objet: Lettre de demission (10.10.2022)

South Sudan: UNMISS – UNMISS Statement on Fresh Fighting in Fashoda Count, Upper Nile State (11.10.2022)

Opinion: Is Kooki “returning” to weaken Buganda?

The Kingdom of Kooki, also known as the Kooki Kingdom, was a pre-colonial African kingdom located within present-day Rakai District of Uganda that existed from approximately 1740 until 1896. The kingdom ceased to exist as an independent state in 1896 when it merged into the British Protectorate of Buganda. Its royal line still continues to this day as a Subnational Chiefdom, and is currently led by Kamuswaga Apollo Sansa Kabumbuli II. In 27 July, 2015, the Kooki Kingdom declared independence from Buganda but it wasn’t recognized by Buganda” (Dbpedia/Wikipedia – ‘Kooki Kingdom’).

What is happening these days and the movements from Rakai district. It is obvious that National Resistance Movement (NRM) is involved in the rise of Kooki Kingdom. That is done to revive the old chiefdom and recognize it to dampen the power-base of the Kababa Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. As well, as Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, which is to give less prominence to the whole Lukiiko.

That’s why the establishment and the possible recognition of Kooki would seem to happen. This is to damage and take away the cultural prominence of the Buganda kingdom. If this happens and as it seems to be moving towards that. This is done to humble and show Mengo who is the real boss. That’s the move of the President just to prove a point and that his the man in-charge.

We know that President Museveni has re-launched the cultural kingdoms of the Republic. Though he has never acknowledged or even tried to re-instate the Ankole Kingdom. That’s most likely for personal grievances. Though he did also re-instate Bunyoro and Rwenzururu, though the latter is in exile and haven’t been allowed to be in his own kingdom for years.

Online there is suddenly pictures on the roads with a welcoming sign of entering into “Kooki Kingdom”. A kingdom not yet recognized and breaking away from the Buganda kingdom. That is an act, which isn’t recognizing the old agreements between the chiefdom and the kingdom itself. Has the agreement been revoked or been dissolved?

Yes, in the 1896 agreement it’s a few vital stipulations, which could still be key to this day: “And I recognise that henceforth the sovereign of Kooki is Mwanga king of Uganda [Buganda] and after him, his heirs and successors. And I recognise further that all treaties, international agreements, laws and regulations of every kind, as well as tribute and other obligations of every kind at the time and the future in force or leviable in Uganda are henceforth similarly applicable stand leviable in Kooki which now becomes an integral part of the kingdom of Uganda [Buganda]. And I Mwanga, king of Uganda [Buganda], hereby pledge myself and my government and my heirs and successors to recognise Kamuswaga, hitherto independent king of Kooki, as a Muganda saza of the first class whose province shall be Kooki, which henceforth becomes part and province of the kingdom of Uganda [Buganda]” (The Spear News – ‘The 1896 Buganda Kooki agreement (Verbatim)’, 14.06.2017).

These words are detrimental and very clear. It is written at a different time and for a reasons of such, which was the reason for the agreement in the first place. The times we are living in now is totally different, but the current Kooki is by the agreement an “integral part” of the Buganda kingdom.

This is how the Kooki addressed the old agreements and in a letter in 2015: “In a July 27 letter to Charles Peter Mayiga, the Buganda katikkiro (prime minister), Kooki prime minister Hajji Idi Ahmed Kiwanuka publicly announced its independence from Buganda, complicating an already damaged relationship. Kiwanuka’s letter was also a protest note against Mayiga’s planned visit to Kooki County for a fundraiser for the beautification of the Kabaka’s lake in Ndeeba near Kampala. “Irrespective of individual and/or institutional perspective, Kooki by all laws governing the Republic of Uganda, is a lawful cultural institution with a hereditary leader, governance structures, with due protocol and indeed independence,” the letter partly reads. Historically, Kooki is one of the recognized counties of the wider Buganda kingdom. In the letter, however, the county leaders say the cultural institution will maintain a “deliberate co-existence” with sister cultural institutions. Copies of the letter were sent to State House, ministers of gender, labour and social development; internal affairs and defence” (Uganda News Releases – ‘Kooki Leadership Declares Independence From Buganda (allAfrica.com)’ 05.08.2015).

We have to await and see, but this is a game played from the State House to tussle with Mengo. That is a deliberate act, as we know the fear and the recent openness of love between the President and the Kabaka. There is a reason for it and it could been done in spite. Because, the President wants to end “Mailo Land” for instance. So, this could be done now in an act of revenge and prove to the Lukiiko and Katikkiro that they got nothing to say.

The President can just decree and order. That’s why you shouldn’t be shocked or surprised. This a game of divide and conquer. It is nothing new in the eyes of Museveni. That’s a game his been playing out his whole career. The latest could be this and Mengo should listen. If they act to much out. They might easily be further targeted and loose other “provinces” too. Because, Museveni might favour Bunyoro over Buganda now. Who knows?

But… Museveni is a man of this sort of play and the Kabaka is getting tested. Peace.

South Sudan: OCHA – Flash update on developments in Kodok, Upper Nile (As of 11 October 2022)

Malawi: Episcopal Conference of Malawi – A Call to Hearken to the Cry of Poor Malawians – A Pastoral Statement by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (10.10.2022)